Concerns about the fate of digital media laws in Canada

“We are aware that the United States exerts pressure on the [gouvernement fédéral]. Similarly, The cultural sector is undoubtedly under alert. However, ”said Marie-Julie Desrochers, director general of the coalition for the diversity of cultural expressions.

Kevin Desjardins. Similarly, president of the Canadian Association of Broadcastlers, who supported the two bills, said his group was concerned about these threats.

Both Mrs. Therefore, Desrochers and Mr. Meanwhile, Desjardins hope that the government will keep the bills in force. Furthermore, while the Liberals remain silent on their intentions, which marks a turning point in relation to the attitude of the Trudeau government towards them.

Last week. Meanwhile, the United States Department of State criticized Canada’s online news law in a human rights report criticizing press freedom in Canada, a week after a group of American Republicans concerns about fate digital media had urged Trump administration to encourage Canada to repeal the law on continuously broadcasting online.

During a distinct press conference on August 5. However, Prime Minister Mark Carney said, in response to a question, that he could be willing to repeal the online news law. Therefore, The Prime Minister’s office refused to say if Mr. Consequently, Carney planned to eliminate one. However, other bills, or if these bills were taken into account in the current commercial negotiations with the United States.

The implementation “in progress” – Concerns about fate digital media

A spokesman for the cabinet of the Minister of Canadian Identity. Culture told the Canadian press in early August that “the implementation of the online news law is still underway”.

The bills have been implemented to oblige large technological companies. continuously disseminating to contribute financially to the content and news of Canada.

Under the online news law. which obliges Meta and Google to remunerate press publishers for the use of their content, the media now receive payments from a google fund of $ 100 million.

The Federal Radio Regulatory Organization is organizing a series of audiences to implement the law on continuously online broadcasting. which has updated broadcasting laws in order to apply to online platforms like Netflix.

The Canadian Radiation. Telecommunications Council (CRTC) has ordered major foreign broadcasters concerns about fate digital media to pay 5 % of their Canadian annual income to Canadian content production, including local television. However, some broadcasters dispute this prescription before the Federal Court, which suspended payments, estimated at least $ 1.25 million per year per year.

Culture “must remain untouchable” – Concerns about fate digital media

Prime Minister Carney has already rejected a bill that would have forced many large American technological companies to pay a digital services tax. after US President Donald Trump announced the cessation of commercial negotiations with Canada by evoking this tax.

Ms. Desrochers said in an email that her group was optimistic about the idea that Mr. Carney protects the law on continuously online broadcasting. In July. the coalition sent Prime Minister Carney a letter, signed by dozens of artistic and cultural sector groups, claiming that Canadian culture “must remain untouchable in the current negotiations”.

Mr. Desjardins said. concerns about fate digital media about his discussions with the government: “He maintained his unwavering support, in particular to the measures aimed at supporting Canadian news rooms, and we continue to encourage him to maintain firmness on these measures.”

But Mr. Desjardins served a warning: “If the Canadian government yielded on this point. we believe that the station closings and the news rooms would be deeply affected.”

“Stay strong as a country”

The silence of the Carney government contrasts strongly with the way in which the government of Justin Trudeau addressed the two bills. defending them vehemently in the face of criticism. In the Trudeau government. the Liberals had presented these bills as a means of defending the Canadian sectors of culture and information in an environment dominated by foreign web giants.

During his Minister of Heritage Minister. Steven Guilbeault presented the first version of concerns about fate digital media the law on continuously online broadcasting and maintained it despite the controversy as to its impact on the content generated by users.

Mr. Guilbeault is now holding the same position, but with the title of Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture. He did not rule on the two bills and. although his cabinet expressed his support for the cultural sector in a press release, he made no specific promise concerning the legislation.

“Faced with potential American customs duties. it is more important than ever to remain strong as a country and to celebrate what makes us unique. From one ocean to another. our filmmakers, artists, musicians, writers and creators produce works of world caliber who reflect the very essence of our nation, “said Guilbeault’s office in a press release.

“Today more than ever, we must maintain our commitment to support our creators and promote concerns about fate digital media Canadian content.”

Defend Canadian sovereignty

Desjardins said the political context between Canada and the United States has changed considerably.

“I respect the fact that the government is in a very difficult situation,” he admitted. That said. we believe that it is important that they defend the news rooms and Canadian creators and that they support the support measures they put in place, which simply aim to ensure equity within the broadcasting system. “

Reynolds Mastin. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Association of Media producers, also called on the government to remain firm in a statement sent by email.

“Any attack on this law from the south of the border should only strengthen the determination of this government. all Canadians to defend the cultural sovereignty of Canada,” he said.